Planning unable to reach a consensus among wide range of stakeholders. On June 11, 2009, the Department of City Planning withdrew its Brighton Beach rezoning proposal. The proposal covered 54 blocks, including a controversial downzoning of a small area characterized by bungalow-style homes. At the City Planning Commission’s hearing, residents and developers criticized the decision to downzone the bungalow area. 6 CityLand 74 (June 15, 2009).

A statement issued from Amanda M. Burden, Director of Planning and Chair of the City Planning Commission, stated that after extensive efforts to reach consensus, “it has become apparent that there is no appropriate zoning solution that can reconcile the diverse concerns of multiple stakeholders, while preserving sound planning principles of light, air, health, and fire safety.” According to Burden’s statement, Planning could not compromise on several issues, including the requirement that all new multi-family housing front a public street for fire emergency reasons, and all new development include side yards to provide light and air.

Statement of City Planning Commission Chair Amanda Burden on Brighton Beach withdrawal, June 11, 2009.